Your Federal Employee Rights Amid Recent Executive Actions

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I'm Attorney Justin Schnitzer. Our commitment is to represent federal employees in cases of employment violations just as we would want to be represented, all with the aim of achieving decisive victories.

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What Is the Federal Employee Removal Process?

Read Time: 5 min read

The federal employee removal process is a complex and highly regulated procedure designed to protect the rights of government workers while allowing agencies to maintain an effective workforce. Unlike in the private sector, federal employees enjoy significant job protections that require agencies to follow specific steps before terminating employment. This article will explore the intricacies of this process, providing valuable insights for federal employees facing potential termination. How does the federal employee removal process work? The federal employee removal process typically involves …

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Understanding Federal Employee Disciplinary Actions

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Federal employees play a crucial role in serving the public and maintaining the operations of government agencies. However, like any workplace, federal employment comes with expectations for conduct and performance. When these standards are not met, federal employee disciplinary actions may be necessary. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of disciplinary actions for federal employees, their types, processes, and potential consequences. What types of disciplinary actions can federal employees face? Federal employees can face both formal and informal …

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Can I Be Removed for Medical Inability to Perform?

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As a federal employee, you may wonder about job security if you develop a medical condition that affects your work. While federal workers are protected from discrimination based on disability, agencies can remove employees for medical inability to perform in certain circumstances. This article explores the complex issue of medical inability removals, your rights as an employee, and what agencies must prove to justify such actions. What Constitutes Medical Inability to Perform? Medical inability to perform occurs when an employee …

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What is a Hostile Work Environment for Federal Employees?

Read Time: 4 min read

A hostile work environment refers to a workplace where harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior makes it difficult for an employee to perform their job. This includes unwanted conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or uncomfortable atmosphere. Federal employees, like their private sector counterparts, have the right to work in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and hostility. However, the unique nature of federal employment brings its own set of challenges and protections when it comes to addressing hostile work environments. …

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As a Federal Employee Can You Sue Your Employer?

Read Time: 6 min read

Working as a federal employee provides many benefits, such as job security, competitive salaries, and access to various employee protections. However, like any other job, disputes and conflicts can arise between federal employees and their employers. In such a case, you may wonder, can a federal employee sue their employer? At The Law Office of Justin Schnitzer, we understand that navigating the complexities of federal employment law can be challenging. As an experienced federal employment law firm, we assist federal employees in protecting …

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Lack of Candor Definition, Examples, and Federal Employee Rights

Read Time: 5 min read

Federal employees have an important role to play in the operation of our government. Thanks to their dedication, all the government services we take for granted keep running effectively. As such, public officials deserve protection from baseless or false accusations. To address misconduct by civil servants, government agencies weigh various disciplinary measures. They may contend that the targeted employee is guilty of falsification or turn to a vague charge: that the employee’s actions exhibited a “lack of candor.” Such an allegation …

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What are the Douglas Factors?

Read Time: 6 min read

Federal employment law is a distinct area requiring a nuanced understanding of regulations and procedures. As a government worker, certain rights are afforded you when your agency proposes disciplinary action against you. Among the elements you must understand are the Douglas Factors, a set of criteria your agency must follow before taking adverse action against you. Ultimately, you want to demonstrate that you don’t deserve punishment or that the proposed penalty is excessive by responding and contesting the proposed discipline. …

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How to Handle a Letter of Reprimand [Federal Employees]

Read Time: 6 min read

As one of the largest employers in the country, the United States government has certain policies and procedures in effect to protect their employees that differ from the private sector. While federal employees can be reprimanded or fired, there are more protections in place to protect federal employees than their private sector counterparts have, and specific steps must be taken before a government employee can be demoted, dismissed, or fired.  As a federal employee, it is then important that you …

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Conduct Unbecoming Charges for Federal Employees

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Federal employees uphold a high standard of professional behavior. The rules are clear cut and reputation is important. Therefore, a false accusation of conduct unbecoming a federal employee can be devastating. This non-specific charge can place a black mark on your spotless career, which is why it is important to immediately assess the situation and prepare a legal defense. Conduct Unbecoming Charges for Federal Employees Federal agencies must charge an employee with misconduct in order to take adverse action. There …

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The Disciplinary Appeals Board (DAB) Process for VA Employees

Read Time: 7 min read

What is the VA Disciplinary Appeals Board? The Disciplinary Appeals Board is a specialized three-person panel that reviews disciplinary actions against certain VA healthcare professionals. It specifically addresses allegations related to professional competence or patient care, evaluating whether employees demonstrated misconduct or incompetence according to their professional standards of practice rather than general employment standards. Legal Framework and Authority The DAB process operates under Title 38 of the U.S. Code, establishing a separate set of rules for VA healthcare workers that differ from the …

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